Chris James (Kotkan Työväen Palloilijat)

him and pyne would be a good combo in midfield

what’s the motivation for being back here, getting himself visible again for the new AW coach?

He has been playing in French 3th tier, Finish 2nd and in USL. And didn't actually set the world on fire on any of those sides, so maybe realised he's pro career is over?

Actually pretty sure was French Div 4. But his recent club record says not worthy of being near AWs to be fair, for guy at end of his career

2017 ISPS HANDA PREMIERSHIP SQUAD: Chris James pic.twitter.com/hWF9vYfdEw

— Eastern Suburbs AFC (@ESAFC) October 15, 2017

Really interesting year ahead in the ISPS Prem

Seems to be a player that stepped up for the national team over his performances for his club side.

Shame he's not playing for the nix, would have been someone interesting to have on the bench (just tell him that it's the New Zealand Phoenix not the Wellington Phoenix).

Will be interesting to see him in action especially him vs Clapham.

Good to see some relatively decent Kiwis return for the ISPS Handa Prem with James, Bright the two that jump out. 

It's the 'old pro's come home to play in NZ, like Vicelich did'. Nelsen wanted to, but was too crocked to play any more.

Good for the league.

Eastern Suburbs have deleted the tweet announcing him... a classic jumped the gun scenario?

He's been snapped up by Darije.

he's not that good

....or, perhaps with Mario Bilen going down injured yesterday, Ramon's stepped in.

Heard a few weeks ago he was being shopped around NZFC clubs, also heard a few had said no thanks.  Still glad his 4th or 5th choice came in for him.

see comment above

so where is he?!

was he at the game today in any capacity? 

there was a picture on facebook of ES training session and he was in that...

Get the fax machine ready

As I understand it, he's training with them - looking to return overseas in the new year. 

With Payne, Vale, Dyer, de Jong and the under-17s kids around, he'd be more of a 'break glass in case of emergency' option as a player.

Why ESAFC tweeted that we'll probably never know.

pity, i'd like to see him playing in this league. it would be a good gauge of where he is at and also where the league is at in terms of the playing standard

Chris James now back in Finland:

http://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/60038

"Chris James has joined newly-promoted Finnish second-tier outfit Kotkan Tyovaen Palloilijat. It is the latest chapter in a nomadic career for the midfielder, who played in England, Finland, Australia, France and America before a brief spell in New Zealand with Eastern Suburbs this season. He has not taken long to make an impact in his new surroundings, finding the net on his debut in a 6-1 win over PEPO Lappeenranta. The 30-year-old got on the end of a flowing team move to clinically smash home from the edge of the area."

Now that's the name of a team I've never heard before (doesn't happen often!). Good on him, not sure he'll be in the AW frame ever again, but you gotta hand it to him - he's carved a professional career for himself and that alone is to be applauded (I have a soft spot for journeymen).

Used to be called KooTeePee, a pretty cute name to be honest. Also known as just KTP. They were one of the top teams in Finland IIRC but went bust and reformed.

Surprisingly Chris’ seventh club in Finland!

9 starts and 2 times a sub in 11 games for KTP, who lie 2nd from bottom (8th) in 10 team league.

This being Finnish 2nd division. See James is only 31, I thought he would be older.

James's team KTP finished season (2nd tier in Finland), 7th out of 10 teams.

He wasn't involved in any games for last 6 weeks of the season. 

12 starts and 5 times on the bench overall. No goals.

Thanks for all the Scandinavian updates mate!

https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/76883?newsfeedId=760052&newsfeedPageNum=2

A monster ep with one of NZ Football’s most fascinating characters @Chris26James pic.twitter.com/kR8UwdIwLI

— BetweenTwoBeersPodcast (@BeersBetween) May 7, 2020